U.S. patent application number 14/911714 was filed with the patent office on 2016-07-14 for washable analyte meters, sealed connectors, and methods of manufacturing and using same.
The applicant listed for this patent is ASCENSIA DIABETES CARE HOLDINGS AG. Invention is credited to Jun CHEN, Igor GOFMAN, David HUANG, James A. JOHNSON, Eugene PRAIS.
Application Number | 20160202205 14/911714 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51390253 |
Filed Date | 2016-07-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160202205 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PRAIS; Eugene ; et
al. |
July 14, 2016 |
WASHABLE ANALYTE METERS, SEALED CONNECTORS, AND METHODS OF
MANUFACTURING AND USING SAME
Abstract
An analyte meter to detect an analyte concentration level in a
bio-fluid sample may be cleaned and disinfected with a cleaning
liquid without harming electrical and internal meter components. In
some embodiments, the analyte meter is washable and immersable and
may include a sealed sensor connector, sealed battery connector,
and possibly a sealed USB connector that may be subjected to a
cleaning liquid without the liquid entering an internal chamber of
the analyte meter and contacting internal electronic components. In
some embodiments, a sealed display screen and sealed keypad are
provided such that liquids are prevented from entering the internal
chamber. Manufacturing methods and systems utilizing the analyte
sensors are provided, as are numerous other aspects.
Inventors: |
PRAIS; Eugene; (West
Milford, NJ) ; HUANG; David; (Bronx, NY) ;
JOHNSON; James A.; (Danbury, CT) ; GOFMAN; Igor;
(Croton-on-Hudson, NY) ; CHEN; Jun; (Warren,
NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ASCENSIA DIABETES CARE HOLDINGS AG |
Basel |
|
CH |
|
|
Family ID: |
51390253 |
Appl. No.: |
14/911714 |
Filed: |
August 11, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
August 11, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US14/50605 |
371 Date: |
February 11, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61864958 |
Aug 12, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
204/406 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01R 13/52 20130101;
A61B 2562/227 20130101; G01N 27/3273 20130101; A61B 5/1468
20130101; A61B 2560/0214 20130101; H01R 43/14 20130101; A61B
5/14532 20130101; B08B 3/04 20130101; A61B 2560/0443 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G01N 27/327 20060101
G01N027/327; B08B 3/04 20060101 B08B003/04; H01R 13/52 20060101
H01R013/52 |
Claims
1. An analyte meter, comprising: a meter housing having a first
part and a second part interfacing each other to form an internal
chamber; an analyte sensor electrical connector having a sensor
port configured to receive an analyte sensor in a port entryway;
and at least one wash port coupled to the sensor port and separate
from the port entryway, the at least one wash port configured to
receive a cleaning fluid.
2. An analyte meter, comprising: a meter housing having a first
part and a second part interfacing each other to form an internal
chamber; an electronic circuit within the internal chamber; and an
analyte sensor electrical connector including a sealed electrical
connection through the first part or the second part into the
internal chamber, a sensor port configured to receive an analyte
sensor in a port entryway, and at least one wash port coupled to
the sensor port and separate from the port entryway, the at least
one wash port configured to receive a cleaning fluid.
3. The analyte meter of claim 2, wherein the first part and the
second part comprise a sealed interface forming the internal
chamber as a hermetically-sealed internal chamber.
4. The analyte meter of claim 2, wherein the analyte sensor
electrical connector comprises a connector body received in a
recessed pocket of the first part or second part.
5. The analyte meter of claim 2, wherein the analyte sensor
electrical connector comprises: a connector body having: a first
wall receiving two or more electrodes; and a second wall opposite
the first wall and including the at least one wash port.
6. The analyte meter of claim 2, wherein the at least one wash port
comprises a plurality of wash ports.
7. The analyte meter of claim 2, comprising a sealing layer
provided between the analyte sensor electrical connector and the
first part or the second part.
8. The analyte meter of claim 2, further comprising a display
screen sealed to the first part or the second part such that fluids
are prevented from entering the internal chamber from between the
display screen and the first or second part.
9. The analyte meter of claim 2, further comprising a battery
connector sealed to the first part or the second part such that
fluids are prevented from entering the internal chamber from
between the battery connector and the first or second part.
10. The analyte meter of claim 2, further comprising a universal
serial bus port sealed to the first part or the second part such
that fluids are prevented from entering the internal chamber from
between the universal serial bus port and the first part or second
part.
11. An analyte sensor electrical connector, comprising: a connector
body having a first wall, a sensor port having a port entryway
configured to receive an analyte sensor, and at least one wash
entry configured to receive a cleaning fluid; two or more
electrodes coupled to the first wall; and two or more electrical
connectors coupled to the two or more electrodes.
12. The analyte sensor electrical connector of claim 11, wherein
the at least one wash entry cooperates with the port entryway to
form a fluid flow channel enabling flushing of the sensor port.
13. The analyte sensor electrical connector of claim 11 comprising
a second wall opposite from the first wall, wherein the at least
one wash entry is formed through the second wall.
14. The analyte sensor electrical connector of claim 11 wherein the
at least one wash entry comprises a plurality of elongated
slots.
15. The analyte sensor electrical connector of claim 11 wherein the
two or more electrical connectors comprise connector pins.
16. The analyte sensor electrical connector of claim 11 wherein the
connector body includes snap connectors configured to secure the
connector body into a pocket of an analyte meter.
17. A method of cleaning an analyte meter, comprising: providing an
analyte meter having a sensor port configured to receive an analyte
sensor, the sensor port having a port entryway and a wash port; and
flowing a cleaning fluid through the wash port to clean the sensor
port.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising providing a sealed
connection between the sensor port and an internal chamber of the
analyte meter.
19. A method of manufacturing an analyte meter, comprising:
providing an analyte meter housing having an internal chamber;
providing an analyte sensor electrical connector having at least
two electrodes; providing an analyte meter battery connector;
forming a sealed connection between the analyte sensor electrical
connector and the internal chamber; and forming a sealed connection
between the analyte meter battery connector and the internal
chamber.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising providing a battery
cartridge configured to mechanically and electrical couple to the
analyte meter housing and comprising battery chemistry power
management circuits.
21. An analyte meter, comprising: a meter housing having a first
part and a second part interfacing with and sealed to one another
to form an internal chamber; an electronic circuit within the
internal chamber; a sensor port configured to receive an analyte
sensor in a port entryway; an analyte sensor electrical connector
in the sensor port including a sealed electrical connection through
the first part or the second part into the internal chamber; a
screen display sealed to one of the first part and a second part; a
keypad sealed to one of the first part and a second part; and a
removable battery pack including a sealed electrical connection
through the first part or the second part into the internal
chamber.
22. An analyte meter, comprising: display screen, keypad, analyte
sensor port, and battery pack interfacing with an electronic
circuit located in an internal chamber of a housing body wherein
the internal chamber is entirely sealed and liquid impermeable such
that the analyte meter is washable and immersable.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/864,958 filed Aug. 12, 2013, and entitled
"WASHABLE ANALYTE METERS, SEALED CONNECTORS, AND METHODS OF
MANUFACTURING AND USING SAME" (Attorney Docket No. BHC124017US)
which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety
for all purposes.
FIELD
[0002] The invention relates to analyte meters that may be used to
detect an analyte concentration level in a bio-fluid sample,
analyte sensor electrical connectors, and methods of using and
manufacturing thereof.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The monitoring of analyte concentration levels in a
bio-fluid may be an important part of health diagnostics. For
example, an electrochemical analyte sensor may be employed with an
analyte meter for monitoring a patient's blood glucose level as
part of diabetes treatment and care. Other types of analytes may be
measured as well. An electrochemical analyte sensor may be
employed, for instance, for detecting an analyte concentration
level in a bio-fluid sample, such as from a single sample of blood
or other interstitial fluid. The bio-fluid may be obtained from the
patient using a lancet (e.g., by a pinprick or needle). Typically,
after a bio-fluid sample has been obtained, the sample may then be
transferred to an analyte sensor (e.g., typically an analyte sensor
strip) for measurement of the bio-fluid sample's analyte
concentration level (e.g., a glucose analyte level).
[0004] As part of the process, electrodes formed on the analyte
sensor are placed in electrical contact with an electrical
connector of the analyte meter. Typically, the analyte sensor
(e.g., sensor strip) is inserted into a sensor port of the sensor
connector. However, portions of the sensor connector housing may be
partially open to the inside of the analyte meter and the
electrical connection takes place within the interior of the
analyte meter. Once the connection is established, the bio-fluid is
applied to a receiving end of the sensor strip and the analyte
measurement is carried out. During this process, bio-fluids such as
blood may contaminate portions of the outside of the meter, such as
near the port. Further, the port and the internal electrical
connections may become contaminated.
[0005] Accordingly, there is a need to provide an analyte meter
configured for bio-fluid analyte testing that may overcome certain
issues due to contamination.
SUMMARY
[0006] In a first aspect, an analyte meter is provided. The analyte
meter includes an analyte sensor electrical connector having a
sensor port configured to receive an analyte sensor in a port
entryway, and at least one wash port coupled to the sensor port and
separate from the port entryway, the at least one wash port
configured to receive a cleaning fluid.
[0007] In another aspect, another analyte meter is provided. The
analyte meter includes a meter housing having a first part and a
second part interfacing with each other to form an internal
chamber, an electronic circuit within the internal chamber, and an
analyte sensor electrical connector including a sealed electrical
connection through the first part or the second part into the
internal chamber, a sensor port configured to receive an analyte
sensor in a port entryway, and at least one wash port coupled to
the sensor port and separate from the port entryway, the at least
one wash port configured to receive a cleaning fluid.
[0008] In a method aspect, a method of cleaning an analyte meter is
provided. The method includes providing an analyte meter having a
sensor port configured to receive an analyte sensor, the sensor
port having a port entryway and a wash port, and flowing a cleaning
fluid through the wash port to clean the sensor port.
[0009] In another method aspect, a method of manufacturing an
analyte meter is provided. The method includes providing an analyte
meter housing having an internal chamber, providing an analyte
sensor electrical connector having at least two electrodes,
providing an analyte meter battery connector, forming a sealed
connection between the analyte sensor electrical connector and the
internal chamber, and forming a sealed connection between the
analyte meter battery connector and the internal chamber.
[0010] In another aspect, another analyte meter is provided. The
analyte meter includes a meter housing having a first part and a
second part interfacing with and sealed to one another to form an
internal chamber, an electronic circuit within the internal
chamber, a sensor port configured to receive an analyte sensor in a
port entryway, an analyte sensor electrical connector in the sensor
port including a sealed electrical connection through the first
part or the second part into the internal chamber, a screen display
sealed to one of the first part and a second part, a keypad sealed
to one of the first part and a second part, and a removable battery
pack including a sealed electrical connection through the first
part or the second part into the internal chamber.
[0011] In another aspect, another analyte meter is provided. The
analyte meter includes a display screen, a keypad, an analyte
sensor port, and battery pack interfacing with an electronic
circuit located in an internal chamber of a meter housing wherein
the internal chamber is entirely sealed and liquid impermeable such
that the analyte meter is washable and immersable.
[0012] Still other aspects, features, and advantages of the
invention may be readily apparent from the following detailed
description wherein a number of example embodiments and
implementations are described and illustrated, including the best
mode contemplated for carrying out the invention. The invention may
also be capable of other and different embodiments, and its several
details may be modified in various respects, all without departing
from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and
descriptions are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not
as restrictive. The invention covers all modifications,
equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The drawings, described below, are for illustrative purposes
only and are not necessarily drawn to scale. The drawings are not
intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
[0014] FIG. 1A illustrates a top plan view of a washable analyte
meter including a washable sensor connector according to
embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 1B illustrates a partial cross-sectioned side view of
the analyte meter of FIG. 1A taken along section line "1B-1B."
[0016] FIG. 1C illustrates a partial perspective view of the
washable analyte meter including the washable sensor connector
according to embodiments.
[0017] FIG. 1D illustrates a front view of the washable sensor
connector of FIG. 1C, shown in isolation.
[0018] FIGS. 1E-1H illustrates various perspective views of certain
components of the washable analyte meter including the washable
sensor connector according to embodiments.
[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart of a method of using an
analyte meter according to embodiments.
[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method of manufacturing
an analyte meter according to embodiments.
[0021] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate perspective views of a washable
analyte meter including a replaceable battery cartridge according
to embodiments.
[0022] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate perspective views of battery
cartridge housings according to embodiments.
[0023] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate cross-sectional and top plan views,
respectively, of a replaceable battery cartridge according to
embodiments.
[0024] FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate cross-sectional and top plan
views, respectively, of another replaceable battery cartridge
according to embodiments.
[0025] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a battery
cartridge connector and printed circuit board according to
embodiments.
[0026] FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a battery
cartridge housing according to embodiments.
[0027] FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate cross-sectional views of an
assembly of a replaceable battery cartridge into the battery
cartridge housing of FIG. 13 according to embodiments.
[0028] FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate cross-sectional views of an
assembly of another replaceable battery cartridge into the battery
cartridge housing of FIG. 13 according to embodiments.
[0029] FIGS. 18-21 illustrate schematic circuit diagrams
illustrating the electrical connections between a replaceable
battery cartridge and an analyte meter according to
embodiments.
DESCRIPTION
[0030] Reference will now be made in detail to the example
embodiments of this disclosure, which are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference
numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same
or like parts.
[0031] Certain regulatory requirements regarding cleaning and
disinfection efficacy in a clinical setting are becoming more
stringent. Moreover, in cases of high levels of contamination, the
analyte measurement itself taken by an analyte meter may be
adversely affected because the electrical connection between the
analyte (e.g., an analyte sensor strip) and one or more electrodes
of the electrical connector may be contaminated or adversely
affected in some way.
[0032] In view of this concern, embodiments of the invention may
provide an entirely hermetically sealed analyte meter that may be
washable and, in some embodiments, may even be immersed in a liquid
without damage. Accordingly, the sealed analyte meter may be washed
in a washing fluid, such as a disinfecting liquid, or the like. In
one or more embodiments, the one or more electrical connections of
the analyte meter may be sealed. Some may be washable, such as,
e.g., the analyte sensor port. Other electrical connections may be
sealed and/or washable and/or removable such as a communication
connector (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) port) and/or a
battery connection. In some embodiments, the analyte meter itself
is entirely washable and all connections thereof may be sealed and
washable, including the sensor port, enabling electrical connection
with an analyte sensor.
[0033] The analyte meter, in accordance with one or more
embodiments, may be used to measure any number of analytes, such as
glucose, fructose, lactate, keytone, microalbumin, bilirubin, total
cholesterol, uric acid, lipids, triglyceride, high density
lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), hemoglobin Alc,
and the like. These analytes may be detected in, for example, whole
blood, blood serum, blood plasma, interstitial fluid, urine, etc.
Other types of analytes may be measured provided a suitable reagent
exists.
[0034] These and other embodiments of washable analyte meters,
washable analyte sensor electrical connectors, and methods of using
and manufacturing and using the analyte meter are described below
with reference to FIGS. 1A-21.
[0035] FIGS. 1A-1D illustrates various views of a first example of
an analyte meter 100 that is washable according to one or more
embodiments. The analyte meter 100 may include a meter housing 102
that may be made of two parts, such as first part 104 and second
part 106 that engage each other to form an internal chamber 108
(FIG. 1B). The internal chamber 108 may be configured to contain
various internal components of the analyte meter 100, such as a
printed circuit board 110 (shown dotted in FIG. 1A), which may
contain all or part of an internal electronic circuit. Internal
chamber 108 may be entirely sealed and liquid impermeable such that
the analyte meter 100 is washable and immersable. The first part
104 and second part 106 may be sealed to each other at their
contact surfaces in order to form the internal chamber 108 as a
sealed chamber that is sealed from the outside environment.
Internal chamber 108 may be hermetically sealed. The first part 104
and second part 106 of the meter housing 102 may be formed of an
insulating material such as plastic injection-molded pieces, for
example. Sealing may be provided by ultrasonic welding of the first
part 104 and second part 106, or by providing a sealant (e.g., a
curable sealant), o-ring, gasket, or the like between the first
part 104 and the second part 106. Other suitable sealing methods
may be used. Connection of the first part 104 to the second part
106 may be made by screws, rivets, snap fit connectors molded on
the first part 104 and second part 106, or the like when using a
sealant, o-ring, gasket, or the like.
[0036] The printed circuit board 110 may reside within the confines
of the internal chamber 108. The printed circuit board 110 may
include conventional electronic components such as a power supply,
processor, memory, and the like that are conventional for carrying
out analyte measurements and display thereof. The printed circuit
board 110 may be retained in a defined position within the internal
chamber 108 by projections and/or recesses formed in one or both of
the first part 104 and second part 106. Other suitable positioning
features may be used.
[0037] The meter housing 102 may have a first end 112 and a second
end 113 opposite the first end 112. The first end 112 may include
an analyte sensor electrical connector 115 that is fully washable
having a sensor port 116 configured to receive an analyte sensor
105 in a port entryway 119 thereof. The analyte sensor electrical
connector 115 may also have a one or a plurality of wash ports 118
coupled to sensor port 116 that are separate from port entryway
119. Wash ports 118 may be configured to receive a cleaning fluid
there through. The analyte sensor electrical connector 115 may
include a connector body 117 that may be received in a recessed
pocket 114 of the first part 104 and/or the second part 106. In
some embodiments, the connector body 117 of the analyte sensor
electrical connector 115 may include a first wall receiving two or
more electrodes 121, and a second wall opposite the first wall and
including one or more wash ports 118. Two or more electrical
connectors 122 may be coupled to two or more electrodes 121 at the
first wall. In some embodiments, the two or more electrical
connectors 122 may be electrical connector pins. A sealing layer
123 may be provided in some embodiments between a surface of the
analyte sensor electrical connector 115 and the first part 104
and/or second part 106, such as in the recessed pocket 114.
[0038] In some embodiments, the wash ports 118 may cooperate with
the port entryway 119 to form a fluid flow channel enabling
flushing of the sensor port 116. The wash ports 118 may be formed
through a first wall of the analyte sensor electrical connector
115. As shown best in FIG. 1C, the wash ports 118 may be configured
as elongated slots. The wash ports 118 may be one or more in
number.
[0039] The analyte meter 100 may further include a display screen
120 that may be sealed to the first part 104 and/or second part 106
such that fluids are prevented from entering the internal chamber
108 from between the display screen 120 and the first part 104
and/or second part 106. Similar sealing methods as described above
may be used. For example, a sealing material layer 124 may be
provided around the periphery of the display screen 120.
[0040] The analyte meter 100 may still further include a keypad 125
that may be sealed to the first part 104 and/or second part 106
such that fluids are prevented from entering the internal chamber
108 from between the keypad 125 and the first part 104 and/or
second part 106. The seal between the keypad 125 and the first part
104 and/or second part 106 may be provided by employing a thin
layer 126 covering over the keys of the keypad 125. The thin layer
126 may be sealed to the first part 104 and/or second part 106 and
may be adhered thereto. The thin layer may be a plastic sheet in
some embodiments and may include indicia printed or otherwise
marked thereon. Other means for sealing the keypad 125 or
individual keys may be used.
[0041] In some embodiments, the analyte meter 100 may include a
battery connector 127 that is sealed to the first part 104 and/or
second part 106 such that fluids are prevented from entering the
internal chamber 108 from between the battery connector 127 and the
first part 104 and/or second part 106. The battery connector 127
allows the use of a removable battery pack 128, as will be
described herein.
[0042] The analyte meter 100 may also include a universal serial
bus (USB) port sealed to the first part 104 and/or second part 106
on a side, for example, such that fluids are prevented from
entering the internal chamber 108 from between the USB port and the
first part 104 and/or second part 106. Sealed connection for the
universal serial bus (USB) port may be the same as for the battery
connector 127. A connection seal 127S, such as an elastomer seal,
may be provided on the connector or on the first part 104 and/or
second part 106 to seal the connection interface.
[0043] As further shown in FIGS. 1E-1H and as otherwise described
herein, the analyte meter 100 may eliminate any opening allowing
liquid ingress into to the internal chamber 108, and may be
configured to drain and dry the analyte sensor electrical connector
115 upon washing or cleaning thereof with a cleaning fluid or other
liquid. In some embodiments, the analyte sensor electrical
connector 115 may be seated within the recessed pocket 114 in the
first part 104 of the analyte meter 100. In some embodiments, the
electrical connectors may project through one or more apertures in
the first part 104 and may be configured to be connected to (e.g.,
plugged into or otherwise contact) conducting receptacle features
on the printed circuit board 110. Other suitable electrical
connectors may be used such as bendable leaf spring contacts that
contact conducting pads on the printed circuit board 110. In some
embodiments, the electrical connectors may be insert-molded in the
analyte sensor electrical connector 115 forming a seal between
plastic (e.g., the first part 104) and metal. In some embodiments,
a sealing layer 123 such as a gasket-type sealing arrangement or
other sealing arrangement (sealing compound) may be used between
the analyte sensor electrical connector 115 and the surface(s) of
the first part 104 and/or second part 106. In some embodiments, the
surfaces within the analyte sensor electrical connector 115 may be
sloped and/or ventilated as needed to facilitate fluid egress after
washing.
[0044] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method 200 of cleaning
an analyte meter in accordance with one or more embodiments. At
process block 202, method 200 may include providing an analyte
meter (e.g., analyte meter 100) having a sensor port (e.g., sensor
port 116) configured to receive an analyte sensor (e.g., analyte
sensor 105), the sensor port having a port entryway (e.g., port
entryway 119) and a wash port (e.g., wash port 118). At process
block 204, method 200 may include flowing a cleaning fluid through
the wash port to clean the sensor port. The method 200 of cleaning
may be accomplished without adversely affecting the analyte
meter.
[0045] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method 300 of
manufacturing an analyte meter in accordance with one or more
embodiments. At process block 302, method 300 may include providing
an meter housing (e.g., meter housing 102) having an internal
chamber (e.g., internal chamber 108). At process block 304, method
300 may include providing an analyte sensor electrical connector
(e.g., analyte sensor electrical connector 115). The analyte sensor
electrical connector may include at least two electrodes (e.g.,
electrodes 121). Analyte sensor electrical connector 115 may be
attachable to the meter housing 102. At process block 306, method
300 may include providing an analyte meter battery connector (e.g.,
battery connector 127). At process block 308, method 300 may
include forming a sealed connection between the analyte sensor
electrical connector and the internal chamber. And at process block
310, method 300 may include forming a sealed connection between the
analyte meter battery connector and the internal chamber. Any
suitable means for accomplishing the sealed connection may be
used.
[0046] The above process blocks of method 300 may be executed or
performed in an order or sequence not limited to the order and
sequence shown and described. For example, in some embodiments,
process block 304 may be performed after or in parallel with
process block 306. Similarly, process block 308 may be performed
after or in parallel with process block 310.
[0047] FIGS. 4-6 illustrate an embodiment of a removable or
replaceable battery cartridge 428 of an analyte meter 400 that
includes a sealed battery connector 429 that may protect against
liquid ingress into the internal chamber 108. The sealed battery
connector 429 may be provided via the use of a sealed or potted
interface in accordance with one or more embodiments. In some
embodiments, the replaceable battery cartridge 428 may be
configured to attach to an meter housing 402 via slideable
insertion.
[0048] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, some embodiments may include
retention features, such as a pair of T-shaped retention rails 430
on opposite sides of a surface of an meter housing 402 (FIG. 5) and
a corresponding pair of retention slots 432 in the battery
cartridge housing 428H configured to receive the T-shaped
rails.
[0049] FIGS. 7-11 illustrate a battery cartridge housing 728H (FIG.
7) configured to receive battery cartridge inserts of different
battery chemistries in accordance with one or more embodiments.
FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a battery insert assembly 832 including
coin cell batteries and FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a battery insert
assembly 1032 including a prismatic battery cell, each configured
to be inserted in battery cartridge housing 728H.
[0050] FIG. 12 illustrates a printed circuit board (PCB) 1200 that
may be affixed to the inserts at locations 825 and 1025 (of FIGS. 8
and 10, respectively) in accordance with one or more embodiments.
In some embodiments, potting compound may be used to encapsulate
the electronics creating a fluid-tight seal (e.g., a water-tight
seal). A gasket or potting compound may additionally be used in
some embodiments to seal the prismatic battery. Battery electrical
connector 1227 extending from the printed circuit board (PCB) 1200
may couple to and provide a sealed connection (e.g., with
connection seal 127S) with the meter housing of the analyte meter,
for example. Optionally, sealed electrical connectors may be the
same as for the analyte sensor electrical connector 115. Thus,
power may be readily provided to the analyte meter and the internal
chamber 108 may remain entirely hermetically sealed.
[0051] As shown in FIGS. 13-17, battery insert assemblies 832, 1032
may be slid into the battery cartridge housing 728H first at an
angle such that the interface battery connector slides through an
access hole 1335 (see FIG. 13) and then the battery insert
assemblies 832, 1032 may be snapped down into the battery cartridge
housing 728H. In addition, in some embodiments, the battery insert
assembly 832, 1032 may be secured in the battery cartridge housing
728H with potting or an adhesive. In the case of the battery insert
assembly 1032 this may also protect the prismatic battery and the
battery compartment against liquid ingress.
[0052] Embodiments of the battery cartridge housing 728H may allow
multiple battery chemistries to be used while maintaining an
identical mechanical envelope for an analyte meter (or other
suitable battery-powered device). In some embodiments, the
electronics in the battery cartridge may be protected against
liquid ingress such that the IP22 standard is met. The IP22
standard is part of the Ingress (or International) Protection
Rating code published by the International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC). Embodiments of the replaceable battery cartridge
may also allow an analyte meter (or other suitable battery-powered
device) to meet the IP22 standard for liquid ingress. Embodiments
of the replaceable battery cartridges may be user replaceable, thus
reducing the cost of replacing a replaceable battery cartridge when
the battery/batteries expire(s). In some embodiments, the coin cell
batteries of the battery insert assembly 832 of the replaceable
battery cartridge may be user replaceable.
[0053] FIGS. 18-21 illustrate the electrical interface between a
replaceable battery cartridge and an analyte meter (or other
suitable battery-powered device). FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate less
complex circuit topologies of electrical interfaces wherein power
management circuitry common to all battery chemistries may be
contained in an analyte meter (or other suitable battery-powered
device), while the power management circuitry unique to a battery
chemistry may be contained in the battery cartridge. FIGS. 20 and
21 illustrate full cartridge electrical interface topologies
wherein all power management circuitry may be contained in the
battery cartridge.
[0054] Accordingly, battery cartridges of different battery
chemistries may be mechanically and electrically interchangeable,
allowing an analyte meter (or other suitable battery-powered
device) to be powered from different battery chemistries.
[0055] The foregoing description discloses only example embodiments
of analyte meters, sensor connectors, battery cartridges, and
methods of manufacturing and using the analyte meters.
Modifications of the above-disclosed analyte meters, sensor
connectors, and methods, which fall within the scope of the
invention, will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in
the art. Accordingly, while the invention has been disclosed in
connection with example embodiments thereof, it should be
understood that other embodiments may fall within the scope of the
invention, as defined by the following claims.
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